Axially telescoping package carrier for the treatment of thread and yarn

ABSTRACT

A telescopic package carrier for treatment of thread and yarn, the carrier comprising two axially spaced rings and two sets of axially extending, peripherally spaced carrier members collectively constituting a uniform yarn-supporting cylindrical periphery. Each carrier member of a given set has guide portions for positively guiding a corresponding carrier member of the other set. The carrier members of the first set engage with their free ends in a positive complementally engaging interlocking manner with the free ends of the carrier members of the other or second set. Corresponding members have their free ends positively engaged over their entire overlap length at any given time. Each carrier member, at its point of connection with the respective ring, may be constructed to have a lower resistance to bending, or a greater degree of resiliency thereat, thereby being adaptable to be subjected to any compressive forces applying a radially inwardly directed force either directly or indirectly to the peripherally spaced carrier members.

United States'Patent 1191 Hahm AXIALLY TELEscoPiNGiRAcKAoE cARRiER FOR THE TREATMENT or THREAD AND YARN Primary Examiner-George F. Mautz Attorney, Agent, or Firm-John E. Becker [76] Inventor: Gerhard Herbert Hahm, 8, [57] ABSTRACT Carla-Seidlung, Aachen, Germany A'telescopic package carrier for treatment of thread [22] May 1972 and yarn, the carrier comprising two axially spaced [21] Appl. No.: 250,776 rings and two sets of axially extending, peripherally spaced carrier members collectively constituting a uniform yarn-supporting cylindrical periphery. Each car- [30] Foreign Application Pnomy D ata rier member of a given set has guide portions for posi- May 10, Germany 1 i a corresponding carrier member of the other set. The carrier members of the first set engage UaS- Cltheir free end in a positive complementally en- [51] Int. Cl B65h 75/24, B65h 75/14 gaging interlocking manner with the free ends f the [58] Field of Search 242/1181, 118.11, 118.2, carrier members of the other or second Set 242/] 18.3, 1 18.31, 118.32, 118.4, 118.7, sponding members have their free ends positively en- 1185, 115,116 gaged over their entire overlap length at any given 73; 68/198 189 time. Each carrier member, at its point of connection with the respective ring, may be constructed to have a 1 1 References cued lower resistance to bending, or a greater degree of re- UNITED STATES PATENTS siliency thereat, thereby being adaptable to be sub- 974.|27 1l/19l0 Daniell et al. 242/1l8.11 jected to y 0mPreSSi\/ e fOFCFS p y s radially 1,374,543 4/1921 Ashworth 68/198 inwardly directed force either directly or indirectlyto 1,515,823 1 H1924 Benoit 68/198 the peripherally spaced carrier members. 2.818.222 12/1957 Scholl 242/1181] 37 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures A Vandal/11 111 9 r /VLFI TL/p h/F /l/r 2 mm? 2 11 40- V a f 1. 4 12 F T T JF 'T F/LK'Z/ LI FAKLfl/FI/V l l V 77 PATENIED M3019" 3.826.444

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AXIALLY TELESCOPING PACKAGE CARRIER FOR THE TREATMENT OF THREAD AND YARN FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a telescopic package carrier for treatment of thread and yarn and the like, the carrier comprising two axially spaced rings and two sets of elongated carrier means, each set being fixed to and axially extending from a respective ring in such manner that the two sets of elongated carrier means constitute a cylindrical periphery, the elongated carrier means of one set being axially displaceable relative to the elongated carrier means of the other set.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Such package carriers are used in the wet treatment of thread or yarn packages, for example, in dyeing. A known package carrier of this type has two end rings and a fastening ring arranged centrally between these two rings. From each end ring there extend wire loops which surround the fastening ring and form carrier rods lying on a cylindrical peripheral surface running in the longitudinal direction of the package carrier, whereby the wire loops fixed on the one end ring surround the fastening ring on one side, and the wire loops fixed on the other end ring surround the fastening ring on the other side. Between the two ends rings a compression spring is mounted which presses the two end rings apart from each other and effects that the said rings assume their maximum distance from each other determined by the length of the wire loops, insofar as the end rings are not pressed towards each other by a compression force acting in that direction and overcoming the force of the spring.

These known package carriers may be-of the type disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,818,212, and are of very complicated form or manufacture and have the disadvantage that they buckle easily on being axially compressed. This, however, may lead to the ends of the wire loops protruding from the cylindrical peripheral surface of these package carriers and bringing about a loosening or even a damaging of the internal layers of the thread or yarn packages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The main object of the present invention is to provide an axially telescopic package carrier, of improved simple construction designed for preventing any loosening or damaging of the thread and yarn packages, and not susceptible to radial distortion or buckling upon axial sliding together, or when under the action of centrifugal force.

This object is achieved in accordance with the invention by provision of a telescopic type package carrier for treatment of thread and yarn and the like, the carrier comprising two axially spaced rings and two sets of elongated carrier means, each set comprising peripherally spaced finger members being fixed to and longitudinally extending parallel to the center axis from a respective ring in such manner that the two sets of elongated carrier means or members collectively constitute a uniform cylindrical yarn-receiving periphery. The elongated carrier means or members of one set are telescopically displaceable relative to the elongated carrier means or members of the other set, and each elongated carrier means or members of one set having comple- .mentally embracing guide means for guiding a corresponding elongated carrier means or member of the other set.

By this mutual guiding of the carrier means it is ensured that the package carrier can be telescoped without difficulty, and moreover does not buckle laterally upon or during telescoping or during centrifugal rotating movements involving high numbers of revolutions. Loosening and damaging of the thread or yarn packages are safely excluded in this manner.

The invention also provides the the carrier means of the first set engage with their free ends in complemental or form-locking manner with the free ends of the carrier means of the second set throughout the entire overlap length of the carrier means at any given position. Corresponding portions of the carrier means fixed to the one ring as well as those of the carrier means fixed to the other ring extend radially and uniformly over their entire length to form a uniform yarnreceiving cylindrical outer periphery.

A package carrier so constructed has a high degree of resistance to buckling, and provides better stability which is obtained as a result of the fact that the carrier means of the two end rings are engaged together in a complemental or form-locking manner over their entire overlapping length at any relative position. As a result of the fact that all of these contemplated carrier means have parts which extend into a common uniform cylindrical encasing surface, a good support of the inner layers of the thread or yarn package is ensured on the package carrier, and any potential damaging thereof during telescoping of the package carrier is prevented.

The invention further provides a package carrier wherein the free ends of the carrier means of one set are connected together by straps which extend in circumferential direction. This construction of the package carrier according to the invention brings about an advantageous stiffening of the package carrier, which is particularly effective when the package carrier is in its non-telescoped starting position.

According to a further proposal of the invention a package carrier is provided wherein the carrier means of one set are hollow rods each provided in its radially outer part with a slit or slot extending over its entire length, and the carrier means of the other set being rods having a cross-section complementally matching that of the hollow rods, each rod of the other set having a guide strap or boss position extending through the slit or slot of the respective carrier rod of the said one set and to the cylindrical periphery. In this connection the complementally fitting, telescopic finger-like carrier member may have almost any desired cross-section.

The invention further pertains to a package carrier, wherein each elongated carrier member of one set has a cylindrical hollow profile extending over its entire length with a slot extending longitudinally and opening in the circumferential direction, and each carrier member of the other set being matched complementally in its cross-section to the cross-section of the carrier member of the said one set and frictionally slidably engage within the latter in an interlocking manner.

The invention provides further a package carrier, wherein all of the elongated members of the carrier means have on one longitudinal edge lying in the circumferential direction a cylindrical hollow profile or cross-section of predetermined shape extending in complemental fashion over their entirelength. The adjacent carrier members are fixed alternately to one ring and to the other ring, as well as being in each instance in telescopic form-locking engagement with each other.

The carrier means according to this form of execution of the invention extend substantially in the circumferential direction and have already, each one per se, a relatively high degree of stiffness. This form of constructional and functional execution has the further advantage that the carrier rods of the twoend rings are similar to oneanother. This is advantageous in the construction of the package carriers.

A further form of execution of the object of the invention is characterised in that each carrier means of one set includes a dovetail profile extending over its entire length, with a side open in the circumferential direction, each carrier means of the other set being matched to the dovetail profile and engage in it in form-locking manner.

According to a further proposal of the present invention the new package carrier is so constructed that each carrier means of one set has on its one edge lying in the circumferential direction a dovetail profile extending over its entire length with a sideopen in the circumferential direction and on its other edge lying in the circumferential direction a trapezoidal profile corresponding to the cross-section of the'dovetail profile. The adjacent carrier members are fixed alternately to the one ring and to the other ring, as well as being in each instance in complemental telescopically interlocking engagement with oneanother.

The carrier means so constructed have also an appreciable form rigidity so that material of relatively thin wall thickness can be used in their construction. All carrier means of this type are designed in the same way, which is an advantage in the construction of the package carrier. During the axial compression of the package carriers as well as of the thread or yarn packages located thereon they effect a radial inwardly directed pressure which is further compounded by shrinkage effects during the heat and/or wet treatment of the threads and yarns.

Accordingly, a further object of theinvention is to construct a package carrier of the type mentioned ,earlier in such a way that it can yield considerably to the radially inwardly directed pressure of the thread or yarn package, by reducing its diameter.

This object is achieved according to the present invention in a package carrier of the type mentioned earlier in that each carrier members, at its point of connection with the respective ring, is constructed to have a lower resistance to bending.

This construction of the package carrier ensures that its carrier means do not bend in an uncontrolled fashion when inwardly directed forces are exerted radially According to a further proposal of the invention it is provided that each carrier means in the form of a hollow rod or hollow profile has in its interior at a distance 4- from its point of connection with the respective ring an abutmentto limit movement of the rod being guided therein.

By this means it is ensured that the respective carrier members cannot be telescopically closed too far inside one another and thereby prevent or at least impede a deformation of the pointsvof connection with the end rings. Furthermore, it is thus achieved that the reduced diameter of the package carrier can be adjusted already on the axial compression thereof independently of the pressure exerted by the thread or yarn packages. The invention provides further that the carrier means which have on the one edge extending in the circumferential direction a hollow profile extending over the entire length and on the other edge extending in the circumferential direction a profile matching the crosssection of the hollow profile, are so constructed at their point of connection with the respective ring that the principal axes with the lowest moments of resistance of the two profiles of each carrier means converge towards the inside of the package carrier, while the principal axes with the lowest moments of resistance of the profiles adjacent each other of carrier means following one another in the circumferential direction are substantially parallel.

, By means of this special position of the smallest moments of resistance of the two profiles of each carrier means it is attained that,'on the reduction in diameter of the package carrier, the individual carrier means becomes deformed in the area of their points of connection with the relevant end ring in such a way that it is possible to introduce without difficulty the free end of a carrier means fixed on the other end ring between two adjacent carrier means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an axial cross-section along line 11 in FIG. 2 through a package carrier, the carrier rods of which are constructed cylindrical.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section through the package carrier along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an axial cross-section along line 3-3 in FIG. 4 through a second form of execution of the package carrier, in which the free ends of the hollow rods I are not connected together by means of straps.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a portion of an axial cross-section along line 5-5 in FIG. 6, where flat connecting parts are arranged between the hollow rods and the relevant end ring.

FIG. 6 is a section through the package carrier along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a portion of an axial cross-section along line 7-7 in FIG. 8, where flat connecting parts are arranged between the carrier rods introduced into the hollow rods and the relevent end ring.

FIG. 8 is a section along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view shown partly in cross-section through a further form of execution of the package carrier along line 9-9 in FIG. 10, where in each case two adjacent carrier elements fixed on one end ring are connected to build one carrier rod.

FIG. is a section through the package carrier along line 10-l0 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a view shown partly in cross-section through a further form of execution of the package carrier along line 11-11 in FIG. 12, where the carrier elements joined with another show their lowest resistance to bending at their points of connection with the relevant end ring.

FIG. 12 is a section through the package carrier along line 12-12 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-section, taken across the axis of the package carrier, through a further form of execution of the package carrier with carrier elements with a dovetail profile.

FIG. 14 is a cross-section (part) of an axially extended interlocking connection between two complementally telescopically engaged carrier rods.

FIG. is a partial cross-section through a further illustrative interlocking connection between modified carrier rods in telescopic engagement with each other.

FIG. 16 is a partial section showing the interlocking engagement of a further modification embodying dovetail profile and a corresponding trapezoidal profile of carrier elements.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The package carrier represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a first end ring 1 as well as a second end ring 2, similarly constructed and mounted at a distance therefrom. The first end ring 1 is provided with a row of carrier rods evenly distributed over its circumference, and having the form of hollow rods 3, which extend parallel to the joint axis of the two end rings 1, 2.

The hollow rods 3 are open both at their free ends 4 and in the area of the first end ring 1 in an axial direction. The free ends 4 of the hollow rods 3 adjoining in the circumferential direction are joined together by means of connection straps 5 which, starting from the free ends, extend a little towards the first end ring 1 and impart to the hollow rods 3 connected with this end ring a high rigidity. The hollow rods 3 are in each case provided in their area extending radially outwards with a slit 6 running over the entire length of the hollow rods The carrier rods 8 extending from the second end ring 2 have a cross-section suited to the clear crosssection of the hollow rods 3 and, in accordance with the form of execution according to FIGS. 1 and 2, are constructed cylindrically. The carrier rods 8 are always provided in their area extending radially outwards, turned away from the axis of the package carrier, with a guide strap 9 which extends over the entire length of the carrier rods 8. The free ends 10 of the carrier rods 8 are rounded off and may be easily telescopically in-' troduced into the free ends 4 of the hollow rods 3. Then the guide straps 9 of the carrier rods 8 lie in the slots 6 of the hollow rods 3 and fill these in such a way that the radially externally lying edges of all the slots 6 of the hollow rods 3 as well as the outer edges of the guide straps 9 lie on a common cylindrical encasing surface.

When the package carrier is in its non-telescoped starting position, the free ends 10 of the carrier rods 8 are inserted a little into the free ends 4 of the hollow rods 3. To maintain the hollow rods 3 and the carrier rods 8 in this position, the free ends l0-of the carrier rods 8 are provided with annular grooves 11, as repre sented in FIGS. 1, l4 and 15. The free ends 4 of the hollow rods 3 have annular straps 12 matching the shape of the grooves 11 and engaging into these grooves.

As will be seen from FIGS. 14 and 15, the grooves 11 of the carrier rods 8 are formed by conical surfaces 13, 14 following on another with opposite inclination and giving a more or less steep V-shaped cut of the carrier rod 8. In FIG. 14 each groove 11 has assigned to it an annular strap 12 protruding from the inside peripheral surface of the hollow rod 3, which strap has a rounded profile.

The engagement connection represented in FIG. 15 between a hollow rod 3 and a carrier rod 8 also has at the free end 10 of the carrier rod 8 grooves 11 which are formed by conical surfaces l5, l6 connecting with each other. The inclination of these two conical surfaces 15, 16 is opposite, and the conical surface 16 which lies in each instance more closely to the free end 10 of the carrier rod 8 runs more steeply than the conical surface 15 further remote from the free end 10. According to FIG. 15 the annular straps 12 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hollow rod 3 are also limited by conical surfaces l7, l8 connecting with each other, where the conical surface 18 which adjoins in each instance more closely the free end 4 of the hollow rod 3 has a smaller inclination than the conical surface 17. In FIGS. 14 and 15 two annular straps 12 with the appropriate grooves 11 are provided. This number, however, can be quite simply modified.

The engagement connections represented in FIGS. 1, l4 and 15 between the hollow rods 3 and the carrier rods 8 can be released by the action of a force, when the free ends 4 of the hollow rods 3 are slightly expanded and permit the insertion of the carrier rods 8 into the hollow rods 3. The form of execution of the package carrier described on the basis of FIGS. 1 and 2 is very similar to the further forms of execution represented in FIGS. 3 to 8, by means of which an intended reduction of diameter of the package carrier is made possible. The forms of execution according to FIGS. 3 to 8 differ from the above-described form of execution purely with respect to the formation of the connection points of carrier rods 3, 8 with the relevant end rings 1, 2, and in that the free ends 4 of the carrier rods designed as hollow rods 3 are not connected together by means of connection straps 5. With the exception of the deviations. existing between the forms of execution reference will be made to the foregoing description of the fonn of execution according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The construction of the points of connection of the hollow rods 3 with the end ring 1 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is characterised in that the resistance to bending of these hollow rods immediately adjacent to the connection with the end ring 1 is reduced in that the hollow rods 3 in the area of the point of connection are provided with an opening 19 which is directed perpendicularly to the radial plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the relevant hollow rod,3 as well as the axis of the package carrier and breaks off the wall of the hollow rod 3 at two points lying diametrally opposite to each other.

The carrier rods 8 also, whose cross-section matches the clear cross-section of the hollow rods 3, may have at their point of connection with the end ring 2 a corresponding opening 19a which reduces the resistance to bending of these carrier rods 8.

According to FIGS. 5, 6 the hollow rods 3 are connected with the end ring 1 by means of generally flat web-like connecting .parts 20, 21, As will be seen particularly from FIG. 6, the connecting parts 20, 21, 22 are connected to the end of the hollow rods 3 adjoining the end ring 1, and are flat, while they extend with the major plane of their cross-section in the circumferential direction and, starting from end ring 1 taper in the direction to the appropriate carrier rod constructed in the form of a hollow rod 3.

The web-like connecting parts 20 of all hollowrods 3 lie on or collectively form a common cylindrical inner peripheral surface, the axis of which corresponds to the axis of the package carrier. 'Also, the'o'ther web-like connecting parts 21, 22 are arranged on or collectively form a common cylindrical outer peripheral surface, which is concentric with the inner cylindrical peripheral surface of the connecting parts 20 and has a greater diameter than this. While the connecting parts 20 extend from the part of each hollow rod 3 which is turned towards theinside of the package carrier, the connecting parts 21, 22 are connected with the parts of the hollow rods lying radially outwards. Thereby the connecting parts 21, 22 are mirror symmetrical in relation to a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the appropriate hollow rod 3 as well as the longitudinal axis of the package carrier, whereby the connecting part 21 lies on one side of the slot 6 of the hollow rod 3, while the connecting part 22 is arranged on the other side of said slot.

As will be seen from FIG. 5, an abutment 23 is provided in each hollow rod 3 at a distance from the point of connection between the hollow rod 3 andthe end ring 1, which abutment closes the inside of the hollow rod 3 in the form of a disc, so that the free end 10 of a carrier rod 8 can be inserted into a hollow rod 3 only as far as to hit the abutment 23.

In FIG. 7 the connection points of the carrier rods 8 with the end ring 2 are represented, whereat flat connecting parts 24, 25 are provided in substantial correspondence with FIGS. and 6. The connecting parts 24 all lie together on a cylindricalperipheral surface, the axis of which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the package carrier. correspondingly all connecting parts 25 are arranged on a second cylindrical peripheral surface, which runs concentrically with the cylindrical peripheral surface of the connecting parts 24, but has a greater diameter than this. The connecting parts 24, 25 taper down symmetrically from the end ring 2 in the direction to their connection with a carrier rod 8, whose guide strap 9 projects radially outwards over the connecting part 25.

In the non-telescoped starting position also each package carrier according to FIGS. 3 to 8 can be fixed by an engagement connection as is represented in FIGS. l4, 15. When an adequate axially operating pressure is exerted, the engagement connection is released and the carrier rods are inserted into the hollow rods 3 to such an extent that the free ends hit the abutments 23 (FIG. 5) in the hollow rods 3. On continuing to compress the ends rings 1, 2 there takes place a radially inwardly directed bending in the area of the points of connection of the hollow rods 3 as well as of the carrier rods 8 with the end rings 1 or 2, so that account may be takengof an alteration of volume of the thread or yarn package, radially directed and arising in relation thereto. Because of the flexibility of the rods 3, 8

at their points of connection these can also yield to a contraction of the thread or yarn package by a radially inwardly directed movement.

The form of execution of the new package carrier represented in FIGS. 9 and 10 shows, in correspondence with the :forms of execution described earlier, a

first end ring 1' and a second end ring 2. Carrier elements 30 with a cylindrical hollow profile and cylindrical carrier elements 31 corresponding to the clear cross-section" of this hollow profile are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction on the two ends rings 1 and 2. In the area of their free ends two adjacent carrier elements 30, 31 are in each case connected with each other by a coupling strap 32 extending in the circumferential direction.

Each carrier element 30 has on the side pointing in the circumferential direction and turned away from the coupling strap 32 connected with this'carrier element 30, a slot 33 extending over its entire length, while each cylindrical carrier element 31 is provided with a strapshaped piece 34 which projects from the cylindrical carrier element 31 in the circumferential direction. From this piece 34 there extends a supporting strap 35 which projects in the radial direction so far outwards that it reaches a cylindrical encasing surface which is tangent tothe' peripheral surfaces of all carrier elements 30.

' lt isipossible, instead of making use of the coupling straps 32, which have only a small axial extension, to connect two adjoining elements 30, 31 with each other in the manner of a strap over their entire length.

In the assembled state of the package carrier the ends of the carrier elements 31 of the carrier rods mounted on one end ring 1, 2 are inserted into the carrier elements 30 of the carrier rods mounted on the other end ring, whereby the shaped piece 34 of the carrier element 31 passes through the slot 33 of the carrier ele- .ment 30. In the non-telescoped starting position of the package carrier, the carrier elements 30, 31 inserted into one another are held by grooves and annular straps not represented, as was described previously on the basis of FIGS. 1, l4 and 15. By the exertion of a force it ispossible torelease this engagement connection and to telescope the package carriers axially.

- The form of execution of the package carrier represented in FIGS. 11 and 12 corresponds in its construction substantially to the form of construction according to FIGS. 9, 10 to the description of which reference is now made. There is a deviation only as regards the connection of the carrier elements 30, 31 with the end rings 1, 2. These carrier elements 30, 31 which are coupled pairwise to build carrier rods, have at their point of connection with the relevant end ring 1, 2 a lower resistance to bending than at other places on them. This is attained by providing the carrier elements 30, 31 with slot-like openings 36, 37. The opening 36 extends through the carrier element 31 and lowers its resistance to bending in the area of the point of connection, while the opening 37 extends through the carrier element 30 with cylindrical hollow profilev breaking its wall to reduce the resistance to bending in the area of the point of connection. With the carrier elements 30, 31 that are connected at their free ends by means of a coupling strap 32 to build a carrier rod, the openings 36, 37 run, as FIG. 12 shows, not tangentially in relation to a cylindrical peripheral surface, which comprises the longitudinal axes of the carrier elements 30,

31, but are rotationally staggered in opposite direction with respect to the tangential position, so that the principal axes with the smallest moments of resistance of the two carrier elements 30, 31 of each carrier rod converge in more pronounced manner towards the inside of the package carrier than would be the case with a tangential arrangement of the openings 36, 37. The principal axes with the smallest moments of resistance of adjoining carrier elements 30, 31 of carrier rods being consecutive in circumferential direction run substantially parallel, so that these carrier elements 30, 31 do not change their distance which corresponds to the extension, measured in the circumferential direction, of the carrier rod inserted between these carrier elements, and mounted on the opposite end ring 1, 2.

An abutment 38 is provided in the inside of the car rier element provided with a cylindrical round profile, and it limits the movement of the cylindrical carrier element 31 inserted into this carrier element 30.

In the non-telescoped starting position of the package carrier according to FIGS. l1, 12, its carrier elements 30, 31 may be held by an engagement connection as is shown in FIGS. 14, 15. If now, an adequate axially operating pressure is applied to the two end rings 1, 2, the engagement connection, insofar as it exists, is released and the carrier rods are inserted into one another. If then the free ends of the cylindrical carrer elements 31 hit against the abutments 38 of the carrier elements 30 with cylindrical hollow profile, a further compression of the package carrier can then take place only if the points of connection of the carrier rods 30, 31 with the ends rings 1, 2 perform a bending direction radially inwards. With this bending in the area of the points of connection, the distance between two carrier elements 30, 31 combined to one carrier rodreduces as a result of the described weakening of the points of connection, in the vicinity of the end ring 1, 2 with which they are connected. By this means it is attained that the free ends of the carrier rods mounted on the oppositely lying end ring 1, 2 as applicable can find room with their coupling straps 32 between two adjoining carrier rods, secured to the other end ring 2, l.

The form of execution of an axially telescopable package carrier represented in FIG. 13 has also two end rings not represented, each of which is connected with carrier rods extending parallel to the axis of the package carrier, and being evenly distributed in the'circumferential direction. Each one of these carrier rods 40 has on its longitudinal side turned in the circumferential direction a dovetail profile 41 that is formed by an approximately radially running base wall 42 and two side walls 43 extending from said base wall 42 and converging towards each other. Each carrier rod 40 has furthermore, on its other longitudinal side turned in the circumferential direction, a trapezoidal profile 45 whose cross-section is suited to the clear cross-section of the dovetail profile 41. In each case a dovetail porfile 41 and a trapezoidal profile 45 mounted on the same end ring are joined together as one piece along their entire length by means of a peripheral strap 46 extending in the circumferential direction. A support strap 47, radially directed and extending over the entire length of the carrier rods 40, proceeds from this peripheral strap 46 near the trapezoidal profile 45. The base wall 42 of the dovetail profile 41 is extended radially outwards and forms a supporting strap 48. The dovetail profile 41 and the trapezoidal profile 45 form the carrier elements of a carrier rod 40.

As will be seen from FIG. 16, for fixing the package carrier in its starting position, a recess 49 is provided in the base wall 42 of the dovetail profile 41, while the side of the trapezoidal profile 45 lying against this base wall when the package carrier is assembled has a protruding projection 50 matching the recess 49. As the edges of the recess 49 and of the projection 50 are rounded, it is possible by action of force to release this engagement connection and to telescope the package carrier in the axial direction.

When assembling the package carrier, the trapezoidal profiles 45 of the carrier rods 40 mounted on the end rings 1, 2 are inserted in the dovetail-shaped profiles 41 of the carrier rods 40 mounted on the opposite end ring, until the projections 50 engage in-to the recesses 49. The edges lying radially outwards of the support straps 47 as well as of the supporting straps 48 then lie in a joint cylindrical encasing surface.

Also, with the package carrier according to FIG. 13, the resistance to bending at the point of connection between the carrier rods 40 and the end rings 1, 2, can be reduced in corresponding manner, as was described in connection with FIGS. 11, 12, if the peripheral strap 46 only connects the free ends of the carrier rods 40 and extends only over a short distance in the axial direction.

The new package carrier may be made, for example, using sheet steel, but is preferably made of plastic.

What I claim is:

1. A telescopic package carrier for treatment of thread and yarn and the like, said carrier comprising two co-axially related, longitudinally spaced end rings and two sets of circumferentially disposed, longitudinally elongated carrier means; each set including plural elongated carrier members fixed circumferentially to and having free ends extending in an axial or longitudinal direction from a respective ring in such a manner that said carrier members of the two sets of elongated carrier means have complemental portions which collectively constitute a uniform, cylindrical, yarnreceiving, outer periphery; the elongated carrier means of one set being longitudinally and generally telescopically displaceable relative to the elongated carrier means of the other set; and said elongated carrier members of each set including means constituting complemental positive longitudinal guide means for positively guiding complemental elongated carrier members of the other set so as to preclude all radial relative displacement of said respective complementally tele scoped carrier members at any given time.

2. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said carrier members of one set are hollow rods each provided with a radial slot extending its entire length, and said carrier members of the other set being rods each having a cross-section complementally matching that of said hollow rod, and each rod of the other set having a longitudinal guide strap or boss portion corresponding complementally to and extending through said slot of said respective carrier rod of the said one set and terminating substantially flush with the cylindrical outer periphery.

3. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein each carrier member of one set has a cylindrical hollow profile extending over its entire length with a slot extending longitudinally and opening in the circumferen- 11 1 tial direction; and each carrier member of the other set being complementally matched in its cross-section to the cross-section of said carrier members of the said one set and including a portion to engage in said slot in a form-locking manner.

4. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said carrier members are alternately hollow, rods and complementally form-locking rods fitting slidably within said hollow rods,said alternately hollow rods being fixed alternately to each of said end rings.

5. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein complementary annular grooves and annular ribs are provided at respective inner ends of said elongated carrier members, said ribs being engagable in said grooves when said sets of carrier means are in the nontelescoped starting position of the package carrier;and

said ribs being releasable from said grooves by application of longitudinal force.

6. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein each carrier member of one set includes a hollow dovetail profile extending over its entire length, with a longitudinal side open in the circumferential direction, and

each carrier member of the other set being complementally matched to the dovetail profile and slidably engaged therein in a form-locking manner;

7. A package carrier according to claim 1, wherein each carrier member of one set has on one longitudinal edge lying in the circumferential direction an open dovetail profile extending over its entire length with a side open in the circumferential direction, and has lying in the opposite circumferential direction and spaced circumferentially therefrom a trapezoidal profile corresponding to the cross-section of an adapted to mate with the dovetail profileof an adjacent carrier member in a form-locking'manner; and adjacent carrier mem bers being fixed alternately to the opposite end rings of the carrier package.

8. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said carrier members of the first set are constructed to engage with their free ends in complemental, positive interlocking manner with the free ends of the carrier members of the second set and in a positive peripherally engaging overlapping .manner extending throughout the entire overlapped length of said carrier members at essentially all relative positions of the two sets of carrier members; and both sets of said carrier members having their complemental guiding means extending a uniformly radial extent out to said cylindrical periphery.

9. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein said carrier members of one set are hollow rods each provided with a radial slot extending its entire length, and said carrier members of the other set being rods each having a cross-section complimentally matching that of said hollow rod, and each rod of the other set having a longitudinal guide strap or boss portion corresponding complementally to and extending through said slot of said respective carrier rod of the said one set and terminating substantially flush with the cylindrical outer periphery.

10. A package carrier as defined in claim 9, wherein the carrier rods are of generally cylindrical form and generally circular cross-section.

11. A package carrier as defined in claim 10, wherein complementary annular grooves and annular ribs are provided at respective inner ends of saidelongated carrier members, said ribs being engagable in said grooves 12 when said sets of carrier means are in the nontelescoped starting positionof the package carrier; and said ribs being releasable from said grooves by application of longitudinal force.

12. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein each carrier member of one set has a cylindrical hollow profile extending over its entire length with a slot extending longitudinally and opening in the circumferential direction; and each carrier member of the other set being complementally matched in its cross-section to the cross-section of said carrier members of the said one set and including a portion to engage in said slot in a form-locking manner.

13. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein said carrier members are alternately hollow rods and complementally form-locking rods fitting slidably within said hollow rods, said alternately hollow rods being fixed alternately to each of said end rings.

14. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein complementary annular grooves and annular ribs are provided at respective inner ends of said elongated carrier members,said ribs being engagable in said grooves when said sets of carrier means are in the nontelescoped starting position of the package'carrier; and

said ribs being releasable from said grooves by application of longitudinal force. a,

15. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein each carrier member of one set includes a hollow dovetail profile extending over its entire length, with a longitudinal side open in the circumferential direction, and each carrier member. of the other set being complementally matched to the dovetail profile and slidably engaged therein in a form-locking manner.

16. A package carrier as defined in claim 15, and wherein, in an internal portion of said mating dovetail profile and complementary trapezoidal profile there are provided complemental mating projection and recess means of limited axial extent on the respective mating profiles for releasable frictional interengagement only when said sets of carrier means are in a nontelescoped axially extended condition, and being releasable responsive to application of longitudinally telescoping pressure. a v I 17.A package carrier as defined in claim 16, wherein each carrier means has at least one support or reenforcement strap which extends over its entire length and terminates radially flush with the cylindrical outermost periphery.

18. A package carrier as defined in claim 16, wherein each member of said carrier means at its point of connnection with respective rings, is constructed of means so as to have a lower resistance to bending and greater resiliency thereat than throughout the remaining length thereof, whereby said rods can collectively yield in a radially directed manner.

19. A package carrier according to claim 8, wherein each carrier member of one set has on one longitudinal edge lying in the circumferential direction an open dovetail profile extending over its entire length with a side open in the circumferential direction and has lying in'the opposite circumferential direction and spaced circumferentially therefrom a trapezoidal profile corresponding to the cross-section and adapted to mate with thedovetail profile of an adjacent carrier member in a form-locking manner; and adjacent carrier members being fixed alternately to the opposite end rings of the carrier package.

20. A package carrier as defined in claim 19, and wherein, in an internal portion of said mating dovetail profile and complementary trapezoidal profile there are provided complemental mating projection and recess means of limited axial extent on the respective mating profiles for releasable frictional interengagement only when said sets of carrier means are in a nontelescoped axially extended condition, and being releasable responsive to application of longitudinally telescoping pressure.

21. A package carrier as defined in claim 20, wherein each carrier means has at least one support or reenforcement strap which extends over its entire length and terminates radially flush with the cylindrical outermost periphery.

22. A package carrier as defined in claim 20, wherein each member of said carrier means at its point of connection with respective rings, is constructed of means so as to have a lower resistance to bending and greater resiliency thereat than throughout the remaining length thereof, whereby said rods can collectively yield in a radially directed manner.

23. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, further including strap means which circumferentially and rigidly connect the free ends of said carrier members of one set together at generally uniform circumferential spacings.

24. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein each member of said carrier means at its point of connection with respective rings, is constructed of means so as to have a lower resistance to bending and greater resiliency thereat than throughout the remaining length thereof, whereby said rods can collectively yield in a radially directed manner.

25. A package carrier as defined in claim 24, and wherein each carrier member is in the form of a hollow rod or hollow profile and has in its interior at a distance from its point of connection with the respective end ring an abutment to limit movement of the rod being guided therein.

26. A package carrier as defined in claim 25, wherein each of said carrier members includes substantially flat, web-like connecting parts for connecting it with its respective ring, and said substantially flat, web-like connecting parts disposed with their flattened crosssections extending in the circumferential direction.

27. A package carrier as defined in claim 24, and wherein each carrier member is connected with the respective ring by substantially flat web-like connecting parts disposed with their flattened cross-section extending in the circumferential direction.

28. A package carrier as defined in claim 27, and wherein corresponding elongated carrier members of each set are fabricated so as to be disposed in coaxially concentric relation to each other, the outer member of each pair of concentric members having a central longitudinal slot to receive a corresponding longitudinal boss on each inner concentric member, and said members are further collectively disposed concentric to the axis of said package carrier.

29. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, further including strap means which circumferentially and rigidly connect the free ends of said carrier members of one set together at generally uniform circumferential spacings.

30. A package carrier as defined in claim 29, wherein said carrier members of one set are hollow rods each provided with a radial slot extending its entire length,

and said carrier members of the other set being rods each having a cross-section complimentally matching that of said hollow rod, and each rod of the other set having a longitudinal guide strap or boss portion corresponding complementally to and extending through said slot of said respective carrier rod of the said one set and terminating substantially flush with the cylindrical outer periphery.

31. A package carrier as defined in claim 29, wherein each carrier member of one set has a cylindrical hollow profile extending over its entire length with a slot extending longitudinally and opening in the circumferential direction; and each carrier member of the other set being complementally matched in its cross-section to the cross-section of said carrier members of the said one set and including a portion to engage in said slot in a form-locking manner.

32. A package carrier as defined in claim 29, wherein complementary annular grooves and annular ribs are provided at respective inner ends of said elongated carrier members, said ribs being engagable in said grooves when said sets of carrier means are in the nontelescoped starting position of the package carrier; and said ribs being releasable from said grooves by application of longitudinal force.

33. A package carrier as defined in claim 29, wherein each carrier member of one set includes a hollow dovetail profile extending over its entire length, with a longitudinal side open in the circumferential direction, and each carrier member of the other set being complementally matched to the dovetail profile and slidably engaged therein in a form-locking manner.

34. A package carrier according to claim 29, wherein each carrier member of one set has one longitudinal edge lying in the circumferential direction an open dovetail profile extending over its entire length with a side open in the circumferential direction and has lying in the opposite circumferential direction and spaced circumferentially therefrom a trapezoidal profile corresponding to the cross-section of and adapted to mate with the dovetail profile of an adjacent carrier member in a form-locking manner; and adjacent carrier members being fixed alternately to the opposite end rings of the carrier package.

35. A package carrier as defined in claim 29, wherein each member of said carrier means at its point of connection with respective rings, is constructed of means so as to have a lower resistance to bending and greater resiliency thereat than throughout the remaining length thereof, whereby said rods can collectively yield in a radially directed manner.

36. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein each member of said carrier means at its point of connection with respective rings, is constructed of means so as to have a lower resistance to bending and greater resiliency thereat than throughout the remaining length thereof, whereby said rods can collectively yield in a radially directed manner.

37. A carrier package as defined in claim 36, and wherein said carrier members have on one longitudinal edge extending in the circumferential direction a hollow profile with an open slot extending over the entire length, and have on the other longitudinal edge extending in the opposite circumferential direction a profile complementally matching the cross-section of said hollow profile, said complemental profiles adapted to be slidably interengaged when assembled for telescopic use, and said carrier members being so constructed at their point of connection with the respective end rings that the principal axes with the lowest moments of re- 16 the principal axes of said carrier members with the lowest moments of resistance of the profiles disposed adjacent each other in the circumferential direction are sistance of the two profiles of each carrier means con- Substantially Parallelverge towards the inside of the package carrier, while 

1. A telescopic package carrier for treatment of thread and yarn and the like, said carrier comprising two co-axially related, longitudinally spaced end rings and two sets of circumferentially disposed, longitudinally elongated carrier means; each set including plural elongated carrier members fixed circumferentially to and having free ends extending in an axial or longitudinal direction from a respective ring in such a manner that said carrier members of the two sets of elongated carrier means have complemental portions which collectively constitute a uniform, cylindrical, yarn-receiving, outer periphery; the elongated carrier means of one set being longitudinally and generally telescopically displaceable relative to the elongated carrier means of the other set; and said elongated carrier members of each set including means constituting complemental positive longitudinal guide means for positively guiding complemental elongated carrier members of the other set so as to preclude all radial relative displacement of said respective complementally telescoped carrier members at any given time.
 2. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said carrier members of one set are hollow rods each provided with a radial slot extending its entire length, and said carrier members of the other set being rods each having a cross-section complementally matching that of said hollow rod, and each rod of the other set having a longitudinal guide strap or boss portion corresponding complementally to and extending through said slot of said respective carrier rod of the said one set and terminating substantially flush with the cylindrical outer periphery.
 3. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein each carrier member of one set has a cylindrical hollow profile extending over its entire length with a slot extending longitudinally and opening in the circumferential direction; and each carrier member of the other set being complementally matched in its cross-section to the cross-section of said carrier members of the said one set and including a portion to engage in said slot in a form-locking manner.
 4. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said carrier members are alternately hollow rods and complementally form-locking rods fitting slidably within said hollow rods, said alternately hollow rods being fixed alternately to each of said end rings.
 5. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein complementary annular grooves and annular ribs are provided at respective inner ends of said elongated carrier members, said ribs being engagable in said grooves when said sets of carrier means are in the non-telescoped starting position of the package carrier; and said ribs being releasable from said grooves by application of longitudinal force.
 6. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein each carrier member of one set includes a hollow dovetail profile extending over its entire length, with a longitudinal side open in the circumferential direction, and each carrier member of the other set being complementally matched to the dovetail profile and slidably engaged therein in a form-locking manner.
 7. A package carrier according to claim 1, wherein each carrier member of one set has on one longitudinal edge lying in the circumferential direction an open dovetail profile extending over its entire length with a side open in the circumferential direction, and has lying in the opposite circumferential direction and spaced circumferentially therefrom a trapezoidal profile corresponding to the cross-section of an adapted to mate with the dovetail profile of an adjacent carrier member in a form-locking manner; and adjacent carrier members being fixed alternately to the opposite end rings of the carrier package.
 8. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said carrier members of the first set are constructed to engage with their free ends in complemental, positive interlocking manner with the free ends of the carrier members of the second set and in a positive peripherally engaging overlapping manner extending throughout the entire overlapped length of said carrier members at essentially all relative positions of the two sets of carrier members; and both sets of said carrier members having their complemental guiding means extending a uniformly radial extent out to said cylindrical periphery.
 9. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein said carrier members of one set are hollow rods each provided with a radial slot extending its entire length, and said carrier members of the other set being rods each having a cross-section complimentally matching that of said hollow rod, and each rod of the other set having a longitudinal guide strap or boss portion corresponding complementally to and extending through said slot of said respective carrier rod of the said one set and terminating substantially flush with the cylindrical outer periphery.
 10. A package carrier as defined in claim 9, wherein the carrier rods are of generally cylindrical form and generally circular cross-section.
 11. A package carrier as defined in claim 10, wherein complementary annular grooves and annular ribs are provided at respective inner ends of said elongated carrier members, said ribs being engagable in said grooves when said sets of carrier means are in the non-telescoped starting position of the package carrier; and said ribs being releasable from said grooves by application of longitudinal force.
 12. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein each carrier member of one set has a cylindrical hollow profile extending over its entire length with a slot extending longitudinally and opening in the circumferential direction; and each carrier member of the other set being complementally matched in its cross-section to the cross-section of said carrier members of the said one set and including a portion to engage in said slot in a form-locking manner.
 13. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein said carrier members are alternately hollow rods and complementally form-locking rods fitting slidably within said hollow rods, said alternately hollow rods being fixed alternately to each of said end rings.
 14. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein complementary annular grooves and annular ribs are provided at respective inner ends of said elongated carrier members, said ribs being engagable in said grooves when said sets of carrier means are in the non-telescoped starting position of the package carrier; and said ribs being releasable from said grooves by application of longitudinal force.
 15. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein each carrier member of one set includes a hollow dovetail profile extending over its entire length, with a longitudinal side open in the circumferential direction, and each carrier member of the other set being complementally matched to the dovetail profile and slidably engaged therein in a form-locking manner.
 16. A package carrier as defined in claim 15, and wherein, in an internal portion of said mating dovetail profile and complementary trapezoidal profile there are provided complemental mating projection and recess means of limited axial extent on the respective mating profiles for releasable frictional interengagement only when said sets of carrier means are in a non-telescoped axially extended condition, and being releasable responsive to application of longitudinally telescoping pressure.
 17. A package carrier as defined in claim 16, wherein each carrier means has at least one support or reenforcement strap which extends over its entire length and terminates radially flush with the cylindrical outermost periphery.
 18. A package carrier as defined in claim 16, wherein each member of said carrier means at its point of connnection with respective rings, is constructed of means so as to have a lower resistance to bending and greater resiliency thereat than throughout the remaining length thereof, whereby said rods can collectively yield in a radially directed manner.
 19. A package carrier according to claim 8, wherein each carrier member of one set has on one longitudinal edge lying in the circumferential direction an open dovetail profile extending over its entire length with a side open in the circumferential direction and has lying in the opposite circumferential direction and spaced circumferentially therefrom a trapezoidal profile corresponding to the cross-section and adapted to mate with the dovetail profile of an adjacent carrier member in a form-locking manner; and adjacent carrier members being fixed alternately to the opposite end rings of the carrier package.
 20. A package carrier as defined in claim 19, and wherein, in an internal portion of said mating dovetail profile and complementary trapezoidal profile there are provided complemental mating projection and recess means of limited axial extent on the respective mating profiles for releasable frictional interengagement only when said sets of carrier means are in a non-telescoped axially extended condition, and being releasable responsive to application of longitudinally telescoping pressure.
 21. A package carrier as defined in claim 20, wherein each carrier means has at least one support or reenforcement strap which extends over its entire length and terminates radially flush with the cylindrical outermost periphery.
 22. A package carrier as defined in claim 20, wherein each member of said carrier means at its point of connection with respective rings, is constructed of means so as to have a lower resistance to bending and greater resiliency thereat than throughout the remaining length thereof, whereby said rods can collectively yield in a radially directed manner.
 23. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, further including strap means which circumferentially and rigidly connect the free ends of said carrier members of one set together at generally uniform circumferential spacings.
 24. A package carrier as defined in claim 8, wherein each member of said carrier means at iTs point of connection with respective rings, is constructed of means so as to have a lower resistance to bending and greater resiliency thereat than throughout the remaining length thereof, whereby said rods can collectively yield in a radially directed manner.
 25. A package carrier as defined in claim 24, and wherein each carrier member is in the form of a hollow rod or hollow profile and has in its interior at a distance from its point of connection with the respective end ring an abutment to limit movement of the rod being guided therein.
 26. A package carrier as defined in claim 25, wherein each of said carrier members includes substantially flat, web-like connecting parts for connecting it with its respective ring, and said substantially flat, web-like connecting parts disposed with their flattened cross-sections extending in the circumferential direction.
 27. A package carrier as defined in claim 24, and wherein each carrier member is connected with the respective ring by substantially flat web-like connecting parts disposed with their flattened cross-section extending in the circumferential direction.
 28. A package carrier as defined in claim 27, and wherein corresponding elongated carrier members of each set are fabricated so as to be disposed in coaxially concentric relation to each other, the outer member of each pair of concentric members having a central longitudinal slot to receive a corresponding longitudinal boss on each inner concentric member, and said members are further collectively disposed concentric to the axis of said package carrier.
 29. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, further including strap means which circumferentially and rigidly connect the free ends of said carrier members of one set together at generally uniform circumferential spacings.
 30. A package carrier as defined in claim 29, wherein said carrier members of one set are hollow rods each provided with a radial slot extending its entire length, and said carrier members of the other set being rods each having a cross-section complimentally matching that of said hollow rod, and each rod of the other set having a longitudinal guide strap or boss portion corresponding complementally to and extending through said slot of said respective carrier rod of the said one set and terminating substantially flush with the cylindrical outer periphery.
 31. A package carrier as defined in claim 29, wherein each carrier member of one set has a cylindrical hollow profile extending over its entire length with a slot extending longitudinally and opening in the circumferential direction; and each carrier member of the other set being complementally matched in its cross-section to the cross-section of said carrier members of the said one set and including a portion to engage in said slot in a form-locking manner.
 32. A package carrier as defined in claim 29, wherein complementary annular grooves and annular ribs are provided at respective inner ends of said elongated carrier members, said ribs being engagable in said grooves when said sets of carrier means are in the non-telescoped starting position of the package carrier; and said ribs being releasable from said grooves by application of longitudinal force.
 33. A package carrier as defined in claim 29, wherein each carrier member of one set includes a hollow dovetail profile extending over its entire length, with a longitudinal side open in the circumferential direction, and each carrier member of the other set being complementally matched to the dovetail profile and slidably engaged therein in a form-locking manner.
 34. A package carrier according to claim 29, wherein each carrier member of one set has one longitudinal edge lying in the circumferential direction an open dovetail profile extending over its entire length with a side open in the circumferential direction and has lying in the opposite circumferential direction and spaced circumferentially therefrom a trapezoidal profile corresponding to the cross-section of and adaptEd to mate with the dovetail profile of an adjacent carrier member in a form-locking manner; and adjacent carrier members being fixed alternately to the opposite end rings of the carrier package.
 35. A package carrier as defined in claim 29, wherein each member of said carrier means at its point of connection with respective rings, is constructed of means so as to have a lower resistance to bending and greater resiliency thereat than throughout the remaining length thereof, whereby said rods can collectively yield in a radially directed manner.
 36. A package carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein each member of said carrier means at its point of connection with respective rings, is constructed of means so as to have a lower resistance to bending and greater resiliency thereat than throughout the remaining length thereof, whereby said rods can collectively yield in a radially directed manner.
 37. A carrier package as defined in claim 36, and wherein said carrier members have on one longitudinal edge extending in the circumferential direction a hollow profile with an open slot extending over the entire length, and have on the other longitudinal edge extending in the opposite circumferential direction a profile complementally matching the cross-section of said hollow profile, said complemental profiles adapted to be slidably interengaged when assembled for telescopic use, and said carrier members being so constructed at their point of connection with the respective end rings that the principal axes with the lowest moments of resistance of the two profiles of each carrier means converge towards the inside of the package carrier, while the principal axes of said carrier members with the lowest moments of resistance of the profiles disposed adjacent each other in the circumferential direction are substantially parallel. 